Our Expert Guide to Finca Cortesin

Get to know Finca Cortesin ahead of the 2023 Solheim Cup

Finca Cortesin may not be a household name across the USA, but among those who are aware of the course’s quality, the style of challenge the teams will face and the elegance of the resort they will be based in, there is no doubt it is going to provide a fantastic setting for the 2023 Solheim Cup.

Opened in 2009, in the shadows of local Andalucían neighbor Valderrama, the course and hotel are now regarded as one of the best golf resorts anywhere in Europe.

Our golf experts explain why they feel this course will provide such an ideal setting for the Solheim Cup:

Course Layout

Finca Cortesin is designed for Matchplay, host to the Volvo World Matchplay in 2009, 2011, and 2012. The course is scorable, in comparison to tougher challenges such as Valderrama. Strategy is required to plot your way around and decide when to attack, but there will be opportunities. 

The players will be faced with a number of risk-reward holes, and a par 5 finish, which always adds drama to the closing stages of a matchplay event. Given the quality, talent, and strength in depth of the Women’s game, on both sides of the Atlantic, we fully expect to see exciting golf and huge drama.

The par 4, 13th is Finca Cortesin’s signature hole, the forgiving tee shot rises over a ridge, with a bunker in play on the right, out of bounds down the left. For the approach shot, you play into a green guarded by a stream running across the front, with olive groves surrounding the back of the green. Not only a challenging hole but one of the most beautiful in golf.

As you may expect from a top-quality venue, the playing surface is immaculate, with pure greens and smooth fairways. Finca Cortesin provides a fair test that rewards good golf, but it is a course that is inducive to attacking play, creating excitement and drama, presenting plenty of birdie and eagle chances.

Interesting to note that feedback we receive is clients prefer playing Finca Cortesin to other great courses in the area. A combination of playability, condition, plus the all-around package of the hotel and service.

Setting

A stadium-style course, the natural slopes and undulations surrounding each hole will provide plenty of great vantage points for spectators. In fact, the course offers a central high point which provides views across both 9’s.

The course is located only around 1.5 miles inland from the coast, rising up into the surrounding hills. This creates stunning vistas across the course, looking out over the beaches across the crystal clear Mediterranean sea.

Hotel Facilities

The hotel itself will be a treat for the players, it’s a boutique hotel in style, providing a sense of traditional Spain, with fantastic service levels, food, and notoriously great coffee. All of the facilities are impeccable, with pools, a spa, and even a high-end golf academy that will be the perfect location for the team’s preparations. 

The driving range sits right in front of the clubhouse, giving a compact feel, which will no doubt add to the tension before taking the short walk to the first tee.

All Premier Golf clients traveling on one of our Solheim Cup 2023 packages will have guaranteed seats reserved on the first tee for each day of competition.

Surrounding area

On the doorstep of the course are the towns of Estepona and Sotogrande, catering to all budgets. Fans will be able to find local tapas, with dishes ranging from €3-8. While the Argentinean Steakhouse in nearby Marina De La Duquesa is a perfect dining spot, we recommend reserving in advance.

Sotogrande offers one of the better beaches in the area, with the Chambao Beach Bar Club a great spot to relax after a day at the course.

Explore our Solheim Cup packages

We can’t wait for the action to begin, Vamos!